Cleaning the Air

DIESEL 101

AIR INTAKE SYSTEM

Your diesel truck needs three things to run: fuel, air, and ignition. If you increase the fuel and air, your truck will produce more horsepower. Who doesn't like a little more boost? One quick and easy way to get this extra power is to install an aftermarket air intake system.

The stock filter does a great job of keeping the air to your engine clean, but it is also restrictive. The aftermarket has seen the limits in the stock filters and created a solution that will allow more air, but still keep the air to your engine clean. Clean air is important because if you get dirt in your engine, it will damage the sealing effect of the piston rings against the cylinder wall. This will cause increased pressure to enter the crankcase which decreases the cylinder pressure and will be vented out the breather system. This loss of cylinder pressure causes a loss in power.

So what air intake system should you choose? A system with a wet or dry filter? There are numerous styles and filter types. You can select a wet type filter that uses a filter media which requires an oil coating to help trap dirt. This requires shorter filter cleanings to keep them working most efficiently. There are also options for dry type filters that are similar to your stock style filter.

PROS + CONS OF WET FILTERS

PROS

Cheaper to maintain - you only need to purchase a cleaning kit which usually will get you a couple of cleanings

Up to 98% efficient at filtering dirt

Increased air flow - it allows the highest amount of air possible

CONS

More maintenance - require more routine checks

Takes time -You have to put your vehicle out of service for at least a couple of hours while you wash the filter and then let it dry before you can oil it and reinstall it

If your truck has a MAF sensor in the air intake it can become damaged with oil if you over oil the filter

PROS + CONS OF DRY FILTERS

PROS

Up to 99% efficient at stopping dirt

Longer filter life

No messing with cleaning - install a new one and you’re on your way

CONS

Expensive to replace

Not usually stocked at the parts store - you have to plan ahead and order one in advance

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